A new $1.2 million rehabilitation program will help tackle Warrnambool’s escalating drug problem.

ReGenUC's insight:

WRAD's Sliding Doors program in Warrnambool is one of the nine new non-residential rehab programs funded through the Victorian Ice Action Plan (http://ice.vic.gov.au/18-million-for-treatment-services/). Our new Catalyst program in Narre Warren will be commencing shortly. We'll keep you posted once the details are confirmed.

LIKE many small Australian towns, Smithton in Tasmania’s far North-West has been hit by a new wave of drug abuse. From ice use to young people needing medical attention after ingesting an unknown substance they had bought in capsule form outside a local pub, the town has become a focal point of talk about substance abuse in small communities.

ReGenUC's insight:

Despite the headline, this is actually a reasonably balanced piece on the challenges affecting a tight-knit community and their response.

WASHINGTON -- Over 23 million Americans are in recovery from addictions to alcohol, heroin and other drugs. September has been designated Recovery Month, and the White House, led by Drug Czar Michael Botticelli

ReGenUC's insight:

There's not much to the article, but it's a good example of the importance of challenging the stigma associated with AOD dependence and recovery.

When will methamphetamine, or ice, addicts actually stop and accept responsibility for the havoc they are wreaking on our society?

ReGenUC's insight:

Karalee Katsambanis wheels out the 80's 'just say no' rhetoric to justify her attack on the perceived moral failings of people who use alcohol and other drugs. We agree that public funds would be better directed to treatment than tv scare campaigns, but that's about it. This sort of gross oversimplification of what is a complex set of issues is not new. It's been occurring for a very long time and continues to strengthen the stigmatisation of those affected and make it harder for people to seek help. 'Just say no' didn't work in the 80s and it won't work now. We need a more sophisticated approach to this. On the positive side, it is reported that the recommendations of the National Ice Taskforce will be provided to the Federal Govt 'within days' (http://sco.lt/6qlwOn). We look forward to more their informed policy suggestions.

You get the equivalent of a parking ticket for low level cannabis use in Canberra, so could ice ever be treated the same?

ReGenUC's insight:

Citing ATODA and Directions on the need for investment in treatment and wider public drug policy debate. The article also notes that the National Ice Taskforce recommendations are due to be received by the Federal Govt 'within days'.

On Thursday, the French Senate discussed the new health law, which was passed by the National Assembly in April. The new law introduces several controversial reforms, such as banning the smoking of tobacco in the presence of minors below the age of 12, accepting gay men as blood donors, and the removal of the compulsory reflection period before an abortion. The most heated point of discussion involved Article 9 - a paragraph which allows for the opening of drug consumption rooms.

In this short film Victorian Aboriginal people talk about how they have managed to stop or reduce ice use. The film includes interviews with a worker and ex-...

ReGenUC's insight:

This video stands in stark contrast to this morning's post (http://sco.lt/7noVSD). This is how to have an informed discussion about the impacts of methamphetamine use and recovery: listen to the experiences of those directly affected, keep clear of simplistic assumptions and focus on the humanity at the core of the issue. Powerful stuff. Well done to all concerned.

GEELONG mental health services are being flooded by people with drug and alcohol problems. Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) State secretary, Lloyd Williams, said up to 70 per cent of people being helped by mental health services in the Barwon region now had drug or alcohol problems.

ReGenUC's insight:

The 70% figure mirrors similar numbers of people using AOD treatment services who have a concurrent mental health issue. If you're concerned about your own (or a loved one's) AOD use and mental health, give us a call: 1800 700 514.

Sharing your scoops to your social media accounts is a must to distribute your curated content. Not only will it drive traffic and leads through your content, but it will help show your expertise with your followers.

Integrating your curated content to your website or blog will allow you to increase your website visitors’ engagement, boost SEO and acquire new visitors. By redirecting your social media traffic to your website, Scoop.it will also help you generate more qualified traffic and leads from your curation work.

Distributing your curated content through a newsletter is a great way to nurture and engage your email subscribers will developing your traffic and visibility.
Creating engaging newsletters with your curated content is really easy.